Strange it is that over time a particular
model often becomes quicker and more fuel efficient, yet also larger and
heavier, some of it from added spec. Sometimes this is unexpectedly accompanied
by a decrease in price, as has happened with the updated E 250 CDI. More
accurately, an increase in value, because price has actually increased
slightly, but with added kit this translates to an $8k advantage to the buyer.
If we're being really pedantic, its weight hasn't changed significantly with
this update, but its performance is definitely livelier, and that's despite the
motor being the same as when we drove it last. Thank the new seven-speed
automatic transmission for that. In 2009 it wouldn't make it out of the eights
on any of its 0-100 runs, but this time all were in the seven-second bracket,
with a best of 7.69sec, not far off its claimed figure of 7.50sec. Our car only
had 3,000km on the odo, partly explaining the discrepancy. Make no mistake,
this is a quick car, and even accounts for the E 320 CDI's best times from less
than a decade ago. All from a 2,150cc four-cylinder turbodiesel. This engine
really is an animal across the midband, especially when the Sport programme is
selected. It pulls with relish from way down low, as its peak tally of 500Nm is
available from 1,600rpm. Around city streets it fluffs about happily at
1,000rpm, all without complaint, and smoothly thanks to twin-balancer shafts.
Quietly too, once warmed up. When asked to accelerate uphill from 100km/h, it
does so with gusto in fourth, and with enthusiasm in fifth. But darned if it
won't also pile on speed slowly in sixth gear as well. Best not to question its
flexibility then.
The
Mercedes E 250 CDI is a visual standout from every angle, inside and out
Overtaking times also showed a vast
improvement from 2009, the 80-120 increment falling by over half a second.
Drive it from 2,500-3,500rpm through the gears and you need to keep a weather
eye on the digital speedo, especially once you hit top where the engine still
isn't turning over 2,000rpm when the needle points to 130km/h.
Efficiency is eye-opening too, the claimed
overall figure being 4.9L/100km. Despite its newness, ours sauntered along the
motorway at 100km/h using diesel at a rate of 5.0L/ 100km.
Turbochargers, especially two-stage units
like this, have done such amazing things for fuel efficiency that now all
E-Classes have a blower attached, and much the same has happened for other
competitors in the class. If you drove this car with an eye to economy, then
you can expect a tank of gas to last for around 1,600km.
Once
you’re inside, the Mercedes E 250 CDI starts to shine as it has one of the
nicest, user-friendly cabins in its class
All of the face lifted models look smarter
than before, with their snazzy LED lighting, softer grille, sharper lines and
sports body kits. Sportier to drive too; suspension is lowered by 15mm, firmer
than standard and damping varies automatically depending on road surface. Take
into account an almost even axle weight split and you've a recipe for cornering
delight, especially with big sticky asymmetric PZero tyres fitted. Think
neutral, with just a hint of frontal push when the hammer falls, all brought
back on line with a gentle application of independent wheel braking. On that,
the picks are as expected, with lots of power, little in the way of fade, and
accomplishing vastly better stopping distances than we've achieved in the past,
the good Pirelli rubber being a factor here. Try five metres better off from
100km /h (32.17m compared with 37.18m in 2009).
Slide
into the rear of the car and there's plenty of space and support for your
thighs. Getting in and out is easy, the doors open wide enough, and seating
position is very comfortable
If you must have an accident, this is one
of the best to be buckled into. The reality is, it is more likely someone will
hit you than you run into something else. With standard safety gear like lane
keeping, blind spot and collision warning, radar-based cruise control, Pre Safe
and a system that warns of drowsiness, you're well covered. Likely as not
self-braking and the collision avoidance system will prevent you from hitting
anything, should the drowsiness system not rouse you. If you succeed in
tricking all these systems, eleven airbags should cocoon you from harm.
Finally, it's powerful roomy the E 250 CDI.
The boot, accessed by a spring-loaded lid, has 540L of space back there, and is
long enough to sleep in! Powered closing too. Easy split folding extends the
load area into the cabin. There's ample room for five adults inside, providing
the fifth is happy to straddle the transmission tunnel.
The
engine is breathtakingly charismatic
To us this vehicle strikes a good balance
between speed and efficiency, beating the rival 520d on both counts. In fact,
it is a fine balancing act period, mixing good handling with a controlled even
ride, and offering a look that melds luxury and sports cleverly. Topped off by
excellent safety and space, and improved value for money, this may well be the
smartest buy in the rejuvenated E-Class range.
